I will definitely be in here with updates. These went straight into the bag and I intend to play them my next round whether I see the range or not.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Irons & Hybrids Review
Anyone go with the KBS PGH shaft in the hybrid? Or the MMT ?
I’m not liking the Cypher 2.0, feels dead to me. Ball goes straight, but like a lot of PX shafts, it just feels dead!
thinking of returning for different shaft, either the KBS PGH 65 or the Tensei Blue 65, maybe MMT?
I’m not liking the Cypher 2.0, feels dead to me. Ball goes straight, but like a lot of PX shafts, it just feels dead!
thinking of returning for different shaft, either the KBS PGH 65 or the Tensei Blue 65, maybe MMT?
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i went with the kbs hybrid prototype in an 85 gram r , my wood shafts are 65 grams and my iron shafts are 110 kbs tours ... i started with the cypher 2 which was also straight but more of a ballooning flight with lack of distance... absolutely love the kbs prototype.
I didn't try the Cypher but the KBS is a solid shaft. Ultimately the Ventus fit me better though!
I have a similar experience with Cypher - hate the feel of it. I went Tensei Blue 65R and it works for me, but I really like the blue bend profile. It is an older model shaft though as far as I can tell, is not raw or Xlink.
Obyonetoby
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I went with the MMT80 shaft. Really like it.
Between the two different heads I lose them right more. I can line up a little open and play a straight shot or slight fade. The AI’s are just a like more off line. Don’t lose them bad so might be an alignment adjustment. I have some new 95 Neo nippon coming to try.
I love the Nippons in mine, they just clicked for me. Hope you’ll have the same experience!
Use to play 105’s since fitted at ECPC in 18’GD but then got injured and went away from them. I can hit all the guys Apex19’s that have Nippon’s and they do what I want, just a little heavy. What Nippons you using?
I was playing Riptide CB 80 5.5 in my G410’s before, after having Tensei CK Blue 80 stiff ( became too stiff for me ) I like the Blue profile, but the Tensei blue has been hit or miss for me in the past.
I like the RT CB feel, just want a bit lighter as I’ve slowed a bit.
The 65 R interest’s me a bit.
Gonna call Cally in the morning and see what they think.
Yeah, not paying for the KBS HYB Proto. I hit that at a PXG fitting recently and liked it until I saw the price!
Looking at the PGH 65 specificall, since it’s no upcharge from Cally
Definitely understand that! Good news is Callaway has great no upcharge options that fit a huge range of players!
erock9174
Well-known member
Not sure yet on height. I have only hit them on the range with range rocks and its rained all week here so I haven't had a chance to play.
I do have a 12:00 appt today our our local sim place and I am going to do a gapping session with these and also take my G425 irons and see how they compare in distance, dispersion, spin and height. I will post back once I get all my data back from the place.
The shape is definitely a draw which I like to play. Could be alot of factors though. The Elevate 85 shaft seems like it might be suited for someone wanting to draw the ball. Also my Pings are std lies and these are upright. I don't really need upright lies, but they help me turn it over in the 6i and 7i irons and down by the ball I like the upright look more so than a std lie.
erock9174
Well-known member
I hadn't checked on Callaway irons in quite some time but was very surprised with the amount of no upcharge iron shaft offerings they have, especially for a slower R flex guy. Plenty of options in all weights, steel and graphite. Very cool.
Let us know what you are seeing on the sim, when you get back! I've never hit Ping irons well, so I'm curious how they compare for you
erock9174
Well-known member
Will do. my appt is at noon and usually the report comes over as soon as I leave the place.
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@DannyLe WITB video and watching him at Victoria National convinced me to buy an AI Smoke Hybrid with a Recoil Dart Shaft in it. Was waffling back and forth between a Paradym Super Hybrid and this, but if it's as much fun to hit as the 3wood I think I'm gonna love the AI Smoke.
I'm a broken man with all these bad financial decisions.
I'm a broken man with all these bad financial decisions.
The hybrids were so good for me, i really didn't need to worry about the Super Hybrid. The SH was more of a debate with the fairway wood, but the 3HL was a better fit for me from distance gaps. Really hope you like them, the Smoke hybrids are absolute weapons on the course for me
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I'm excited. I haven't had a legit hybrid in the bag for quite some time Sort of moved away from them for the UW's, which I'll absolutely keep.
erock9174
Well-known member
Got my irons testing in today. Afterwards I went to the store next door and tested drivers for about 40 min. Lets just say I am worn out. 
Ended up hitting 6 shots with each iron. So I presented it as all shots and then took the best 4. Had a couple thinned ones and chunky ones really skewing the numbers.
Also I included the dispersion charts (best 4 shots) with each. With the wedges up through 9i its not really an apples for apples loft wise. But once you get to the 8i both sets match.
Smoke 55* vs Glide 56*
G425 UW (49.5*) - Smoke 47*
G425 PW - Smoke PW
G425 9i – Smoke 9i
G425 8i - Smoke 8i
G425 7i – Smoke 7i
G425 6i – Smoke 6i
Smoke HL Groupings
G425 Groupings
Ended up hitting 6 shots with each iron. So I presented it as all shots and then took the best 4. Had a couple thinned ones and chunky ones really skewing the numbers.
Also I included the dispersion charts (best 4 shots) with each. With the wedges up through 9i its not really an apples for apples loft wise. But once you get to the 8i both sets match.
| Callaway Smoke HL irons vs Ping G425 irons | |||||||||
| All shots (6 with each) | |||||||||
| Model | Club | Loft | Club | Ball | Smash | Carry | Height | Spin | Land angle |
| Glide 4.0 | SW | 56 | 64.5 | 70.8 | 1.10 | 80.9 | 54' | 8328 | 46.5 |
| G425 | UW | 49.5 | 66.1 | 78.4 | 1.19 | 94.6 | 65' | 7895 | 48.2 |
| G425 | PW | 44.5 | 65.9 | 82.8 | 1.26 | 106 | 65' | 5965 | 45.3 |
| G425 | 9i | 39.5 | 67.2 | 88.1 | 1.31 | 115.1 | 62' | 5913 | 42.7 |
| G425 | 8i | 34.5 | 68.3 | 95 | 1.39 | 129.6 | 73' | 5470 | 44.5 |
| G425 | 7i | 30 | 69.1 | 97.3 | 1.41 | 137.4 | 67' | 4143 | 40.2 |
| G425 | 6i | 26.5 | 70.5 | 100.5 | 1.43 | 139.4 | 56' | 3775 | 34.6 |
| Best 4 shots | |||||||||
| Model | Club | Loft | Club | Ball | Smash | Carry | Height | Spin | Land angle |
| Glide 4.0 | SW | 56 | 64 | 70.3 | 1.10 | 80.1 | 51' | 8218 | 45.3 |
| G425 | UW | 49.5 | 65.9 | 80.1 | 1.22 | 97.6 | 66' | 7935 | 48 |
| G425 | PW | 44.5 | 65.6 | 83.4 | 1.27 | 104.6 | 62' | 7140 | 45.2 |
| G425 | 9i | 39.5 | 67.1 | 89.5 | 1.33 | 117.8 | 66' | 5980 | 44 |
| G425 | 8i | 34.5 | 68.4 | 95.5 | 1.40 | 130.6 | 76' | 5528 | 45.3 |
| G425 | 7i | 30 | 69 | 98.1 | 1.42 | 138.3 | 71' | 4598 | 41.9 |
| G425 | 6i | 26.5 | 70.7 | 102.6 | 1.45 | 147.6 | 67' | 4153 | 39 |
| All shots (6 with each) | |||||||||
| Model | Club | Loft | Club | Ball | Smash | Carry | Height | Spin | Land angle |
| Smoke HL | SW | 55 | 65.7 | 72.5 | 1.10 | 83.8 | 59' | 8508 | 48.4 |
| Smoke HL | AW | 47 | 65.8 | 80.2 | 1.22 | 98.4 | 59 | 7520 | 44.7 |
| Smoke HL | PW | 43 | 65.5 | 83.7 | 1.28 | 106.1 | 64' | 6571 | 45.3 |
| Smoke HL | 9i | 38 | 67.5 | 89.8 | 1.33 | 118.8 | 66' | 5705 | 44.6 |
| Smoke HL | 8i | 34 | 69.1 | 94.9 | 1.37 | 129.3 | 74' | 5522 | 45 |
| Smoke HL | 7i | 30 | 70.1 | 99.3 | 1.42 | 140 | 75' | 4826 | 43.3 |
| Smoke HL | 6i | 27 | 71.7 | 102.4 | 1.43 | 146.6 | 75' | 4669 | 42.5 |
| Best 4 shots | |||||||||
| Model | Club | Loft | Club | Ball | Smash | Carry | Height | Spin | Land angle |
| Smoke HL | SW | 55 | 65.4 | 73.3 | 1.12 | 85 | 62' | 8447 | 49.2 |
| Smoke HL | AW | 47 | 65.9 | 81.3 | 1.23 | 100.4 | 60' | 7363 | 44.9 |
| Smoke HL | PW | 43 | 65.8 | 85.3 | 1.30 | 108.9 | 66' | 6587 | 45.5 |
| Smoke HL | 9i | 38 | 67.6 | 91.1 | 1.35 | 121.1 | 69' | 5845 | 44.5 |
| Smoke HL | 8i | 34 | 68.9 | 95.6 | 1.39 | 130.8 | 77' | 5523 | 45.6 |
| Smoke HL | 7i | 30 | 70.4 | 100.8 | 1.43 | 142.9 | 76 | 4831 | 43.4 |
| Smoke HL | 6i | 27 | 71.9 | 103.6 | 1.44 | 149.6 | 77' | 4533 | 42.6 |
Smoke 55* vs Glide 56*
G425 UW (49.5*) - Smoke 47*
G425 PW - Smoke PW
G425 9i – Smoke 9i
G425 8i - Smoke 8i
G425 7i – Smoke 7i
G425 6i – Smoke 6i
Smoke HL Groupings
G425 Groupings
Thanks for posting this - some real interesting results there! Seems a bit more draw with Smoke and distance? Some dispersion seems pretty divided between the twoGot my irons testing in today. Afterwards I went to the store next door and tested drivers for about 40 min. Lets just say I am worn out.
Ended up hitting 6 shots with each iron. So I presented it as all shots and then took the best 4. Had a couple thinned ones and chunky ones really skewing the numbers.
Also I included the dispersion charts (best 4 shots) with each. With the wedges up through 9i its not really an apples for apples loft wise. But once you get to the 8i both sets match.
Callaway Smoke HL irons vs Ping G425 irons All shots (6 with each) Model Club Loft Club Ball Smash Carry Height Spin Land angle Glide 4.0 SW 56 64.5 70.8 1.10 80.9 54' 8328 46.5 G425 UW 49.5 66.1 78.4 1.19 94.6 65' 7895 48.2 G425 PW 44.5 65.9 82.8 1.26 106 65' 5965 45.3 G425 9i 39.5 67.2 88.1 1.31 115.1 62' 5913 42.7 G425 8i 34.5 68.3 95 1.39 129.6 73' 5470 44.5 G425 7i 30 69.1 97.3 1.41 137.4 67' 4143 40.2 G425 6i 26.5 70.5 100.5 1.43 139.4 56' 3775 34.6 Best 4 shots Model Club Loft Club Ball Smash Carry Height Spin Land angle Glide 4.0 SW 56 64 70.3 1.10 80.1 51' 8218 45.3 G425 UW 49.5 65.9 80.1 1.22 97.6 66' 7935 48 G425 PW 44.5 65.6 83.4 1.27 104.6 62' 7140 45.2 G425 9i 39.5 67.1 89.5 1.33 117.8 66' 5980 44 G425 8i 34.5 68.4 95.5 1.40 130.6 76' 5528 45.3 G425 7i 30 69 98.1 1.42 138.3 71' 4598 41.9 G425 6i 26.5 70.7 102.6 1.45 147.6 67' 4153 39 All shots (6 with each) Model Club Loft Club Ball Smash Carry Height Spin Land angle Smoke HL SW 55 65.7 72.5 1.10 83.8 59' 8508 48.4 Smoke HL AW 47 65.8 80.2 1.22 98.4 59 7520 44.7 Smoke HL PW 43 65.5 83.7 1.28 106.1 64' 6571 45.3 Smoke HL 9i 38 67.5 89.8 1.33 118.8 66' 5705 44.6 Smoke HL 8i 34 69.1 94.9 1.37 129.3 74' 5522 45 Smoke HL 7i 30 70.1 99.3 1.42 140 75' 4826 43.3 Smoke HL 6i 27 71.7 102.4 1.43 146.6 75' 4669 42.5 Best 4 shots Model Club Loft Club Ball Smash Carry Height Spin Land angle Smoke HL SW 55 65.4 73.3 1.12 85 62' 8447 49.2 Smoke HL AW 47 65.9 81.3 1.23 100.4 60' 7363 44.9 Smoke HL PW 43 65.8 85.3 1.30 108.9 66' 6587 45.5 Smoke HL 9i 38 67.6 91.1 1.35 121.1 69' 5845 44.5 Smoke HL 8i 34 68.9 95.6 1.39 130.8 77' 5523 45.6 Smoke HL 7i 30 70.4 100.8 1.43 142.9 76 4831 43.4 Smoke HL 6i 27 71.9 103.6 1.44 149.6 77' 4533 42.6
Smoke 55* vs Glide 56*
View attachment 9256761
G425 UW (49.5*) - Smoke 47*
View attachment 9256764
G425 PW - Smoke PW
View attachment 9256765
G425 9i – Smoke 9i
View attachment 9256762
G425 8i - Smoke 8i
View attachment 9256760
G425 7i – Smoke 7i
View attachment 9256763
G425 6i – Smoke 6i
View attachment 9256766
Smoke HL Groupings
View attachment 9256767
G425 Groupings
View attachment 9256768
erock9174
Well-known member
Yeah the shot shapes when hitting them were a bit more draw shaped with the Smoke HL.s Which I like to see. I tend to play a little push draw so I like to see it come back. With my Pings I have fought the push with the 7i and 6i not drawing back. The Smokes don't always draw back either but it seems they don't go as far right on me. From the GW to the 8i I could play either set comfortably. I think where the HL's tend to separate themselves is in the 6i and 7i. I had an easier time hitting them.
If I include the all shots chart with the 6i and 7i here is what I see:
6 irons
Smoke HL
G425
7 irons - A little closer battle here, but the Smoke HL was flying 8 feet higher and with 700 more rpms of spin.
Smoke HL
G425
Take out the one outlier shot with both and the Smoke is more centered to where the Ping falls off to the right (push not drawing back)
Attachments
Seems like the 425s have a bit of competition! What's next? Getting them on the course?
I have the cypher in my hybrid and the MMT in my irons. I wish I would have went MMT in the hybrid to match the irons.
I don’t hate the Cypher, but prefer the MMT feel by a small margin.
That is quite the improvement!Got my irons testing in today. Afterwards I went to the store next door and tested drivers for about 40 min. Lets just say I am worn out.
Ended up hitting 6 shots with each iron. So I presented it as all shots and then took the best 4. Had a couple thinned ones and chunky ones really skewing the numbers.
Also I included the dispersion charts (best 4 shots) with each. With the wedges up through 9i its not really an apples for apples loft wise. But once you get to the 8i both sets match.
Callaway Smoke HL irons vs Ping G425 irons All shots (6 with each) Model Club Loft Club Ball Smash Carry Height Spin Land angle Glide 4.0 SW 56 64.5 70.8 1.10 80.9 54' 8328 46.5 G425 UW 49.5 66.1 78.4 1.19 94.6 65' 7895 48.2 G425 PW 44.5 65.9 82.8 1.26 106 65' 5965 45.3 G425 9i 39.5 67.2 88.1 1.31 115.1 62' 5913 42.7 G425 8i 34.5 68.3 95 1.39 129.6 73' 5470 44.5 G425 7i 30 69.1 97.3 1.41 137.4 67' 4143 40.2 G425 6i 26.5 70.5 100.5 1.43 139.4 56' 3775 34.6 Best 4 shots Model Club Loft Club Ball Smash Carry Height Spin Land angle Glide 4.0 SW 56 64 70.3 1.10 80.1 51' 8218 45.3 G425 UW 49.5 65.9 80.1 1.22 97.6 66' 7935 48 G425 PW 44.5 65.6 83.4 1.27 104.6 62' 7140 45.2 G425 9i 39.5 67.1 89.5 1.33 117.8 66' 5980 44 G425 8i 34.5 68.4 95.5 1.40 130.6 76' 5528 45.3 G425 7i 30 69 98.1 1.42 138.3 71' 4598 41.9 G425 6i 26.5 70.7 102.6 1.45 147.6 67' 4153 39 All shots (6 with each) Model Club Loft Club Ball Smash Carry Height Spin Land angle Smoke HL SW 55 65.7 72.5 1.10 83.8 59' 8508 48.4 Smoke HL AW 47 65.8 80.2 1.22 98.4 59 7520 44.7 Smoke HL PW 43 65.5 83.7 1.28 106.1 64' 6571 45.3 Smoke HL 9i 38 67.5 89.8 1.33 118.8 66' 5705 44.6 Smoke HL 8i 34 69.1 94.9 1.37 129.3 74' 5522 45 Smoke HL 7i 30 70.1 99.3 1.42 140 75' 4826 43.3 Smoke HL 6i 27 71.7 102.4 1.43 146.6 75' 4669 42.5 Best 4 shots Model Club Loft Club Ball Smash Carry Height Spin Land angle Smoke HL SW 55 65.4 73.3 1.12 85 62' 8447 49.2 Smoke HL AW 47 65.9 81.3 1.23 100.4 60' 7363 44.9 Smoke HL PW 43 65.8 85.3 1.30 108.9 66' 6587 45.5 Smoke HL 9i 38 67.6 91.1 1.35 121.1 69' 5845 44.5 Smoke HL 8i 34 68.9 95.6 1.39 130.8 77' 5523 45.6 Smoke HL 7i 30 70.4 100.8 1.43 142.9 76 4831 43.4 Smoke HL 6i 27 71.9 103.6 1.44 149.6 77' 4533 42.6
Smoke 55* vs Glide 56*
View attachment 9256761
G425 UW (49.5*) - Smoke 47*
View attachment 9256764
G425 PW - Smoke PW
View attachment 9256765
G425 9i – Smoke 9i
View attachment 9256762
G425 8i - Smoke 8i
View attachment 9256760
G425 7i – Smoke 7i
View attachment 9256763
G425 6i – Smoke 6i
View attachment 9256766
Smoke HL Groupings
View attachment 9256767
G425 Groupings
View attachment 9256768